Monsoon holidays in Maharashtra

Come monsoons and all you trippers can come up with is that weekend getaway in your favourite resort in Khandala, Lonavla or Mahabaleshwar! We’re not deriding your choice. Indeed, they are gorgeous during rains. But why not try trekking up some lesser-known, but equally mesmerising monsoon destinations this time? Here’s a handy guide:

Bhandardara: Imagine lush green hills, brisk waterfalls and serene lakes. You get it all and more at this quiet hill station. Climb up to see the Ratangad and Harishchandragad fort, follow the trails that lead to Ajoba and Ghanchakkar peaks, or try conquering the highest peak in Maharashtra, Mount Kalsubai (1646 m). And once at the summit, don’t miss out on the panoramic view of the Sahyadris. Bhandardara is 185 kms from Mumbai and is easily accessible by road. The nearest railway station is Igatpuri, where you could board a state transport bus or take auto rickshaws to reach your resort.

Jawhar: Known as ‘Mahabaleshwar of Thane district’, Jawhar is famous for its rich cultural heritage. Home to the Warli tribes, Jawhar remains untouched by modern concretisation. Visit the Dadara Kopra Falls, Jai Vilas, the palace of the tribal kings, the Hanuman and Sunset Points and the Shirpamal, where Shivaji chose to camp on his way to Surat. You could drive down or take a bus.

Panhala: Its history is intrinsically intertwined with that of the Maratha Empire and with its founder, Shivaji. This lush green hill station was the Maratha State capital until 1782. Apart from the famous Panhala fort, an equally interesting tourist attraction would be the Parashar caves. About 20 kms from Kolhapur, Panhala is well connected.

Amboli: It’s the last hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa. Not so well explored, Amboli is nestled in the Sahayadri Hills of Western India and is one of the world’s ‘Eco Hot-Spots’. Stop by at Hiranya Keshi, Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad for making it a memorable holiday. Amboli is well connected by road to the cities — Kolhapur, Belgaum, Panjim (Goa) — and the nearest airport is at Goa, about two hours drive away.

Chikhaldara: The only coffee growing area in Maharashtra, Chikhaldara has an interesting history. Mentioned in the Mahabharata, this is where Bheema killed the villainous King Keechaka and threw him into the valley. The sole hill resort in the Vidarbha region abounds in wildlife, and nurtures panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild boar and more. Animal lovers, this one’s for you! Close by is the famous Melghat Tiger Project which apparently has 82 tigers. The nearest railway station is Badnera and the nearest airport is Nagpur.

Toranmal: A placid plateau, Toranmal situated at the height of 1,461 metres above mean sea level, gets the maximum footfalls during a yatra to Gorakhnath Temple on Mahashivratri. Must visit are the Yashavant Lake, Lotus lake covered with lotus flowers, that jumps down the cliff in Sita Khai, into a gorge forming a riveting waterfall during rains. At 510 kms from Mumbai, the best way to travel is to take a train to Dhule or Chalisgaon.